The Angelic Hymn…
06/11/05
Gloria in Excelsis Deo, "Glory to God in the Highest," more properly known as the "Greater Doxology..." Often the very first prayer, or hymn, that we recite during our Sunday services, the Greater Doxology (also known as "The Angelic Hymn") is very likely the oldest hymn in Christendom.
The text "Gloria in Excelsis..." begins with the assurance sung by the angels at the Nativity we find in Luke 2:14 and continues with prose added to make a proper doxology (more on that later). Originally in Greek, forms of the Greater Doxology date to the late first century (Telesphorus, bishop of Rome, (128-139?), even ordered it sung at every Christmas). It's quite universal; recited during services by Orthodox, Roman, and many Protestant denominations.
In our Episcopal liturgy, the Greater Doxology is often used from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Epiphany; on Sundays from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost; on all the days of Easter Week; and on Ascension Day. It can be used at other times as desired; but it's not used during the penitential seasons of Advent or Lent (gotta love them rubrics).
So, if there's a Greater Doxology, there must be a Lesser Doxology, right? Right; "Gloria Patri," "Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now and forever, world without end. Amen." And, let's not forget the popular Common Doxology we sing every Sunday; the closing stanza of Thomas Ken's famous morning and evening hymns, beginning, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." sung to that most Anglican of tunes "Old Hundredth."
Oh, and just what is a "doxology," you ask..? A doxology is a short "formulaic ascription of praise to God addressed to each Person of the Holy Trinity in turn," usually phrased as in a hymn (poem).
The text "Gloria in Excelsis..." begins with the assurance sung by the angels at the Nativity we find in Luke 2:14 and continues with prose added to make a proper doxology (more on that later). Originally in Greek, forms of the Greater Doxology date to the late first century (Telesphorus, bishop of Rome, (128-139?), even ordered it sung at every Christmas). It's quite universal; recited during services by Orthodox, Roman, and many Protestant denominations.
In our Episcopal liturgy, the Greater Doxology is often used from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Epiphany; on Sundays from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost; on all the days of Easter Week; and on Ascension Day. It can be used at other times as desired; but it's not used during the penitential seasons of Advent or Lent (gotta love them rubrics).
So, if there's a Greater Doxology, there must be a Lesser Doxology, right? Right; "Gloria Patri," "Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now and forever, world without end. Amen." And, let's not forget the popular Common Doxology we sing every Sunday; the closing stanza of Thomas Ken's famous morning and evening hymns, beginning, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." sung to that most Anglican of tunes "Old Hundredth."
Oh, and just what is a "doxology," you ask..? A doxology is a short "formulaic ascription of praise to God addressed to each Person of the Holy Trinity in turn," usually phrased as in a hymn (poem).